Delft University of Technology
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PhD in Fatigue Performance and Weldability of Next-Generation Structural Steels Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
PhD employment for 4 years in principle, offered as two contracts (initial 1.5 years with go/no-go assessment, then 2.5 years). Salary is €3204–€4051 gross per month depending on year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Includes TU Delft Graduate School enrollment, health insurance discount, and monthly work costs contribution.
Deadline
Oct 11, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology

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About this position
TU Delft is advertising a PhD position in fatigue performance and weldability of next-generation structural steels. The project focuses on the scientific and engineering foundations needed for the safe use of more sustainable steels in fatigue-critical infrastructure and structural applications.
The research will examine how greener steel production routes such as hydrogen direct reduced iron (DRI), electric arc furnaces (EAF), and increased scrap content influence the fatigue behaviour and weldability of structural steels. The work combines experimental testing with advanced numerical modelling, covering both base material and welded joints, and will assess whether existing fatigue design methods for conventional steels remain valid for these next-generation materials.
The PhD candidate will join the Steel & Composites section at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences and be part of the Grow with Green Steel programme, working in a multidisciplinary consortium of universities, research institutes, and industrial partners. This is a strong fit for candidates interested in civil engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, structural performance of steel, welding, and sustainable infrastructure.
Eligibility highlights: an MSc in Civil/Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field; background in steel structural performance; fatigue and welding knowledge is an advantage; ability to work in a structural lab and with numerical/analytical methods; strong English communication; and comfort in an international, multidisciplinary environment.
Funding and conditions: this is a paid PhD employment position for 4 years in principle, with an initial 1.5-year contract and a follow-up 2.5-year contract subject to progress. Salary ranges from €3204 to €4051 gross per month, plus holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus. TU Delft also mentions health insurance discounts and a monthly work costs contribution.
Application deadline: 11 October 2026. Apply online and upload your CV, motivation letter, MSc degree, 300-word MSc thesis abstract, and selected publications if available. If invited to interview, you will need to provide referee contact details.
Funding details
PhD employment for 4 years in principle, offered as two contracts (initial 1.5 years with go/no-go assessment, then 2.5 years). Salary is €3204–€4051 gross per month depending on year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Includes TU Delft Graduate School enrollment, health insurance discount, and monthly work costs contribution.
What's required
MSc degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field. Background in structural performance of steel is required; knowledge of fatigue and welding behaviour is an advantage. Applicants should be comfortable with experimental work in a structural lab, numerical and analytical approaches, communicate effectively in English, and work in a multidisciplinary international environment.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button by 11 October 2026. Upload your CV, motivation letter, MSc degree, 300-word MSc thesis abstract, and up to two selected publications. If shortlisted for interview, provide contact details of at least two referees with consent.
More information can be found here
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